Readers share their Lakeland concert memories

Do you remember your first Lakeland concert? Did your favorite musician make a major impact? Share your concert memories with us for a chance to be featured.

A concert taking place on an outdoor stage at Bonnet Springs Park

We’ll never forget the opening weekend performances by The Band Perry + Hunter Hayes at Bonnet Springs Park.

Photo by LALtoday

Some of the best moments in life are set to a superb soundtrack. That’s why we’re diving into local music history to learn your Lakeland concert memories.

Have a story worth sharing? Tell us all about it here. Then, make more memories by catching an upcoming show listed on our community calendar.

Music memories

“We were in high school and it was amusing that it was at a drive-in. But anytime someone came to town to put on a show, we were there. The RP Funding Center was not open yet.” — Marlene, on Bob Seger’s Silvermoon Drive-In show in 1973

“U2 opened their tour there in the 90’s. They did a sound check for about 30 people. That’s where I met my husband in high school.” — @peppermintbee on the RP Funding Center

“Jimmy Buffett came on early morning, around 4 a.m., in between Leon Redbone and Pure Prairie League. [In] my recollection, it was amazing and Jimmy may have been drinking!” — Mark R., on the Florida Sunfest musical festival of 1977

“I do remember waking at sunrise to Richie Havens singing ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and watching people start popping up from the field, like flowers blooming to the music.” — Linda A. on the Florida Sunfest

“Hello!!?? U2? ‘Achtung Baby’? Kick off the Zoo TV Tour? I was there!! 1992!” — @jdavidsapp on the RP Funding Center

Editor’s note: Some responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

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